Candle Timer Countdown
Info
The Candle Timer Countdown is a Indicator for MetaTrader 5 that a countdown to the close of the current candle on gold (xauusd), eurusd or any chart, shown next to the price or in a fixed corner. It counts with TimeTradeServer, the broker server clock, so it keeps running when the market is quiet and no ticks arrive.
Usage
This tool is typically used for enhancing chart analysis and decision making.
Platform
This Indicator works exclusively on MetaTrader 5 (both build 600+ and newer versions).
Setup
Place the downloaded file in MQL5/Indicators folder via File ? Open Data Folder in MetaTrader 5.
How to Install and Use Candle Timer Countdown
1. Installation: Place your file in the MQL/Indicators folder via "Open Data Folder" and restart your terminal.
2. Loading: Find the indicator in the Navigator, drag it onto your chart, and configure the input parameters in the popup window.
3. Customization: Press Ctrl+I to open the indicator list, select your tool, and click "Properties" to change colors, levels, or visual styles.
4. Updating: Replace the old file in the Indicators folder with the new version and restart the platform to apply changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my indicator not showing? A: Verify the file is in the MQL/Indicators folder, or try right-clicking the "Indicators" tree in the Navigator and clicking "Refresh."
Q: Do custom indicators slow down the platform? A: Too many complex indicators can impact performance; remove unused ones via the "Indicator List" (Ctrl+I).
Q: Can I use MT4 indicators on MT5? A: No, MQL4 and MQL5 are distinct languages; ensure the indicator is compiled specifically for your platform version.
What this tool does
A countdown to the close of the current candle on Gold (XAUUSD), EURUSD or any chart, shown next to the price or in a fixed corner.
Typical Use Case
This Indicator excels in automated trading and technical analysis on MetaTrader 5.
Compatible Platform & Setup
This Indicator works on MetaTrader 5. Place the file in the MQL5/Indicators folder and restart the terminal.
Description & Settings
Related: Heikin Ashi Candlesticks - another powerful indicator for MetaTrader 5 traders.
A countdown to the close of the current candle on Gold (XAUUSD), EURUSD or any chart, shown next to the price or in a fixed corner. It counts with TimeTradeServer, the broker server clock, so it keeps running when the market is quiet and no ticks arrive.
Also recommended: HTF Candles (ICT Power of Three): Higher Timeframe Candles Displayed - similar indicator with strong performance on MetaTrader 5.
The format follows the timeframe: minutes and seconds on intraday charts, hours, minutes and seconds from H1, and days plus hours on D1 and above. The current spread can sit beside the timer, and the text changes color in the last seconds of the candle.
An optional pop-up or sound alert fires once per candle, the number of seconds you choose before the close. It is one text object that is created once and rewritten every half second. No canvas, no buffers, nothing else on the chart.
Settings
Display
Where to show the timer
(next to the current price): next to price moves with the bid, or choose a fixed corner of the chart.
Corner
(right upper),
Horizontal offset
(10 px) and
Vertical offset
(30 px): used only in corner mode.
Bars to the right of the last candle
(2): how far from the last candle the timer sits in price mode.
Show the spread
(true): current spread in points after the time.
Show symbol and timeframe
(false): for example EURUSD M15 before the time.
Font
(Arial),
Font size
(10),
Text color
(silver).
Text color in the last seconds
(orange red) and
Last seconds that change the color
(10, 0 turns it off).
Alerts
Alert this many seconds before the close
(0 = off): one alert per candle.
Pop-up alert
and
Sound alert
(both false),
Sound file
(alert.wav).
Indicator settings
Object prefix
(XP_CTC_): the timer object starts with it, and only that object is removed when you take the indicator off. To show two timers on one chart, for example one next to price and one in a corner, give each copy its own prefix.
What it needs
MetaTrader 5, any symbol, any timeframe, any account type. It is an indicator, it does not trade.
The time comes from the trade server clock, so the countdown matches the candles of your broker, not the clock of your computer.
On weekends and outside the trading session the last candle does not close, so the timer stops at 00:00 until the next candle opens.
Make it yours
Put it on the chart you trade the open of the next candle on: M5 or M15 on XAUUSD, EURUSD, GBPUSD, US30, NAS100 or BTCUSD. Scalpers who wait for a candle close before entering can set the alert to 5 or 10 seconds and stop watching the clock. If you trade Smart Money Concepts or price action, the countdown tells you when a BOS or CHoCH will be confirmed on close. The update routine is short and has no dependencies, so the time-left calculation can go straight into your own EA or panel.
About this code
Open source. Use it as it is, adapt it, build your own version on top of it.
New versions and new tools are announced first on my MQL5 channel:
Questions, suggestions and your own backtests are welcome in the Xander Lab group:
More tools on my profile:
Provided as is, use at your own risk.
Related
Smart Money Concepts BOS CHoCH
Partial Close Multi TP Manager
Basket Pair Closer
XPro Trade Panel
XANDER Grid XAUUSD
Changelog
v1.0 - 2026-10-25 - Initial release
You may also like: Vela Mayor MTF: Higher Timeframe Candle Overlay for MT5 - excellent alternative for indicator users on MetaTrader 5.
Source Code
#property copyright "RobotFX"
#property link "https://robotfx.org"
#property version "1.00"
#property description "This code is educational. Feel free to use, modify and upgrade as you wish. Visit ROBOTFX.ORG for professional trading tools"
#property indicator_chart_window
#property indicator_buffers 0
#property indicator_plots 0
enum ENUM_XP_PLACE
{
XP_PLACE_PRICE = 0,.......
⚠ Limitations & Risk Warning
- This tool is provided for educational and testing purposes only.
- Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- Trading involves substantial risk of loss. Use on a demo account first.
- Results may vary depending on market conditions, broker, and settings.
- We recommend thorough backtesting and forward testing before using with real funds.